Meet #thesavageway Interns

Meet #thesavageway Interns

We consider ourselves lucky that we are able to surround ourselves with some amazing interns throughout the year and this semester is no different. We have witnessed Maddy Rupert & Renee Gorman learn and grow at #thesavageway for some weeks now. Together they have been a powerhouse and tackled every task that we’ve given them. Individually, they’ve shown us what big hearts and creative brains they each have. We’ve gotten to know them, and now we want to introduce them to you! Meet #thesavageway Interns!

We love our interns!! #thesavageway

We love our interns!! #thesavageway

MEET MADELYN RUPERT (@bohohobo)

Meet Madelyn Rupert! #thesavageway

Meet Madelyn Rupert! #thesavageway

What’s your nickname? Maddy, Mads, Maddog

Where did you go to school? Wake Forest University

How did you hear about #thesavageway? After recently graduating from Wake and moving to Charlotte in August, I was applying to a lot of jobs in the hopes of finding something that would allow me to use my educational experiences, yet also stimulated me artistically. In my searches, I stumbled upon #thesavageway and was immediately intrigued. #thesavageway had something different about them, something that caught my eye. Then when I did more research, and found out about the work they’re doing in the community, and the aspects that make them unique, like the Clean Graffiti and Moss Art, I was sold.

Why did you want to work with #thesavageway? #thesavageway stuck out to me because of its non-traditional aspects. I’ve never been the type to sit at an office job all day, and #thesavageway immediately caught my eye in that it provided an internship experience different than anything else I would get in a more traditional marketing firm. I also liked how small it is, and that I would be able to work closely with Torrie and Paula. It gives you the feeling that the work you’re doing really matters, and I think that’s important when looking for a job.

You’re a few weeks into this internship, what are your thoughts thus far? What I like most about the position is that no day is the same. Each day holds its own infinite set of possibilities. One day we’ll be sitting in on meetings with clients, another we’ll be out taking pictures for social media, and the next we’ll be socializing and enjoying a beer at a client event. So far, I not only feel as if I am learning, but I am also enjoying myself. It is helping me familiarize myself with the Charlotte area, get to know the community while allowing me to grow my professional skills. So, I’d say I think it’s going really well so far!

Name 3 of your favorite songs. This is always a dreaded question for me because 1) I am a huge music lover and my favorites could change based on any number of variables, and 2) I am THE most indecisive person ever, one of the fatal traits of a Libra. So, to avoid giving you a list of a million songs and to avoid hours of painstaking decision making to narrow down my list, I will give you 3 of my current favorites (aka 3 currently on repeat):

  1. Jamie xx – Loud Places 
  2. Tame Impala- The Less I Know the Better
  3. Leon Bridges- Coming Home

Dream job? Fashion buyer / Merchandiser

Favorite Food? Pizza (Also, my most used emoji)

MEET RENEE GORMAN (@reneemichaela)

Meet Renee Gorman! #thesavageway

Meet Renee Gorman! #thesavageway

What’s your nickname? People at my kickboxing gym call me Red because of my hair,  but that hasn’t caught on outside of the gym, although, I don’t think I would mind at all.

Where did you go to school? Queens University of Charlotte

How did you hear about #thesavageway? Once I graduated, I did research for social media and marketing companies and I came across #thesavageway through #WeLoveCLT. I thought what #thesavageway did was crazy cool and innovative and I knew I had to be involved.

Why did you want to work with #thesavageway? In a previous internship I wrote an article on the social media of NoDa (the arts district in Charlotte). I was impressed with the community’s social media use and how they communicate. It wasn’t until I was at my interview with #thesavageway that I learned they do the social media for NoDa. Now I am helping run the social media so I’ve made a full circle and it is awesome to be on the other side.

I like how #thesavageway is a non-traditional company. I was immediately drawn to that. I like that #thesavageway is a small company and that I can work with every project. Additionally, the Clean Graffiti is such a brilliant idea I knew I had to be a part of this company

You’re a few weeks into this internship, what are your thoughts thus far? I LOVE working with the ladies of #thesavageway. I am learning so much about social media and marketing. But more importantly, I am getting to do a lot. This internship is very hands on and within the first two weeks I was helping run different social media accounts. I cannot wait to see what the next months have in store.

Name 3 of your favorite songs. I am totally going to cheat on this question. This is so hard. I have to put down Joan Jett. She is the reason I bought my first leather jacket. Her music and her generally badassery inspired me.

  1. “Pompeii” by Bastille is definitely up there. This song was played all the time at the Open Mic Night at the pub my friends and I frequented when I lived in England. So it holds a special place in my heart.
  2. OneRepublic’s “I Lived” is another song that is important to me. In fact, the whole Native album was important to me. I listened to these songs while I was backpacking by myself. These songs kept me company on my many adventures through Europe.
  3. This is me cheating… Currently, on my drive into #thesavageway I am rocking out to “Renegades” by the X Ambassadors and “What’s Up” by 4 Non Blondes.

 Dream job? I definitely want to work with social media and video production. I see myself working with a nontraditional, creative company. I would like a job that is challenging and that no two days are the same.

Favorite Food? Tacos, I love a good taco. There is this hole-in-the wall Korean BBQ joint in Atlanta that serves amazing tacos. So yeah, any variations of a taco dish.

Keep up with our interns happenings by following Renee & Maddy on Instagram @thesavagewayinterns.

There is Plenty of Value at Value Village

There is Plenty of Value at Value Village

#thesavageway team loves a good bargain. Recently, we had the opportunity to hit up two Value Village locations in search of some hidden gems. Now, thrifting and second-hand shopping is nothing new to either of us (Torrie or Paula), however this trip was our first to visit the new Value Village location on Independence Blvd. We found so many amazing finds, and plenty of value at Value Village!

Checking out the Value Village on Independence Blvd with the lovely Alana Allen. #thesavageway

Checking out the Value Village on Independence Blvd with the lovely Alana Allen. #thesavageway

Upon walking in, the first thing we noticed was the cleanliness and organized appearance of the store. We also noticed that a discount was being offered that day on blue tags. (In fact, a different discount is offered everyday – simply look for the color on the poster!)

Clean & organized racks at Value Village. #thesavageway

Clean & organized racks at Value Village. #thesavageway

Books on books on books at Value Village. #thesavageway

Books on books on books at Value Village. #thesavageway

Sections were broken up into accessories, furniture, clothing, books, toys, shoes, etc. There really was a little bit of everything here! We walked in not necessarily having an end goal. We were exploring and seeing what jumped out at us. Value Village provided some nice thrifting tips to help for a better experience.

  • Don’t Go in With Expectations (True, you never know what you are going to find!)
  • Be Patient (Great piece of advice. If you are looking for something in particular, visit often and there is a chance you will snag it for cheap!)
  • Familiarize Yourself with Good Brands / Look for Vintage (This is clutch – look for pieces that will have longevity and are of good quality!)
  • Bring a Bag (Value Village does provide carts, but carrying a reusable tote is perfect to load up in store & when you leave)
There is plenty of value at Value Village. #thesavageway

There is plenty of value at Value Village. #thesavageway

Torrie’s Finds:

  • 1 gold serving tray
  • 3 candle holders
  • 1 glass carafe
  • 1 mason jar
  • 1 leather handbag
  • 1 unique, amazing jacket
Torrie's finds at the Value Village. #thesavageway

Torrie’s finds at the Value Village. #thesavageway

Nice leather purse from Value Village. #thesavageway

Nice leather purse from Value Village. #thesavageway

Seriously, can there be a better jacket? Torrie rocking her Value Village find! #thesavageway

Seriously, can there be a better jacket? Torrie rocking her Value Village find! #thesavageway

Paula’s Finds

  • 3 baskets
  • 2 metal candle holders
  • 5 mason jars
  • 2 glass carafes
  • 1 SWEET blue poncho
  • 1 small leather handbag
Some of Paula's finds at Value Village! #thesavageway

Some of Paula’s finds at Value Village! #thesavageway

Paula checking out the housewares section at Value Village. #thesavageway

Paula checking out the housewares section at Value Village. #thesavageway

Best part of it all, after the already low prices, & the deals of the day – TOTAL COST $7.27.
Full disclosure – we hit up the Central Ave location and snagged Torrie’s jacket & Paula’s poncho for a total of $20.11 (we just didn’t snag a picture of that register.) 

Yes, that reads $7.27!! What a deal at Value Village! #thesavageway

Yes, that reads $7.27!! What a deal at Value Village! #thesavageway

WHY THRIFTING IS IMPORTANT
There are a million reasons why hitting up the thrift store is a great decision. It helps you stay within budget, recycle & repurpose old clothes, contribute less to new textile production and reduce landfill waste.

DID YOU KNOW:

  • An estimated 13.1 million tons of textile waste is generated in the US alone each year? Only as estimated 15% of that material is captured for reuse of recycling.
  • Average person creates 70 pounds of textile waste each year.
  • 1 pound of textile waste produces 7 pounds of CO2. That is approximately 91.7 Million Tons of CO2 generated each year. (Textiles are one of the largest CO2 emitting waste streams)

DONATION OF OLD CLOTHES
While we do create far too much textile waste, there is a small solution to help reduce that waste stream. Carolina Value Village works alongside the National Kidney Foundation as their chosen non-profit. Through the charitable organization National Kidney Services, Value Village is able to go out into the community, pick up people’s unwanted textiles and then give a percentage of those sales to the National Kidney Foundation. Awesome!

FIND A VALUE VILLAGE

Charlotte

  • 2917 Freedom Drive,
    Charlotte, NC, 28208
  • 4451 Central Avenue,
    Charlotte, NC 28205
  • 5700 E Independence Blvd.,
    Charlotte, NC 28212
  • 6300 South Boulevard #300,
    Charlotte, NC, 28217

Gastonia

  • 2541 West Franklin Boulevard,
    Gastonia, NC, 28052

Greensboro

  • 3407 High Point Road,
    Greensboro, NC, 27407

Kannapolis

  • 912 South Cannon Boulevard,
    Kannaoplis, NC, 28083

Mooresville

  • 219 East Plaza Drive #A,
    Mooresville, NC, 28115

Bonus: Over Halloween, Paula & her friends needed some quick costumes and knowing that Value Village had a ton of clothing options available, they headed to the Independence Blvd location. Paula’s entire National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation Aunt Bethany costume (minus the hat) was found at Value Village for $6.14! The other costume was found head-to-toe (except for the wig) from the Village for under $10!

An awesome Halloween costume (Ellen Griswold from Christmas Vacation) found at Value Village (minus the wig). #thesavageway

An awesome Halloween costume (Ellen Griswold from Christmas Vacation) found at Value Village (minus the wig). #thesavageway

Paula is rocking her Value Village finds in her Aunt Bethany from Christmas Vacation costume! #thesavageway

Paula is rocking her Value Village finds in her Aunt Bethany from Christmas Vacation costume! #thesavageway

After seeing that there is plenty of value at Value Village, it makes a lot of sense to plan a trip to the location nearest you! You never know what you might find!!

Clean Graffiti for Novant Health’s Thunder Road Marathon

Clean Graffiti for Novant Health’s Thunder Road Marathon

Using Clean Graffiti for marathons and other running initiatives just makes sense. Companies are able to speak to their target market and give a nudge of encouragement directly to their target market – right underneath their running shoes! Recently, #thesavageway executed some Clean Graffiti for Novant Health’s Thunder Road Marathon to do just that.

Clean Graffiti by #thesavageway for Novant Health's Thunder Road Marathon #RunCharlotte

Clean Graffiti by #thesavageway for Novant Health’s Thunder Road Marathon #RunCharlotte

Encouraging messages, including “Race Yourself,” “Life is a Marathon, Not a Sprint,” and “Keep Your Head Up,” were placed along the marathon route in order to encourage participants during the training period as well as race day!

“Thunder Road really is Charlotte’s marathon,” said Hannah Maschoff, Rock Star Designer at Moonlight Creative Group (the marketing agency behind Thunder Road). “And while we couldn’t be alongside every runner while they’re training, we wanted to use the streets as a way to remind runners the city of Charlotte is (literally) cheering them on. Running is often times more mental than physical. Almost anyone can run, it’s making the decision to get out and to keep going that’s hard. Simple reminders like this are great in a magazine are 1,000 times more impactful if they’re delivered when the runner actually needs it!”

Race Yourself Clean Graffiti for Thunder Road Marathon Charlotte. #thesavageway

Race Yourself Clean Graffiti for Thunder Road Marathon Charlotte. #thesavageway

“Charlotte has an awesome running community that ranges from social to serious,” continued Maschoff. “When building a campaign for Thunder Road, we wanted to find a way to reach these runners doing what the love – running. Clean graffiti was a great tool when our main efforts were grass roots.”

Runner along Charlotte streets with inspirational Clean Graffiti on the sidewalk. #thesavageway

Runner along Charlotte streets with inspirational Clean Graffiti on the sidewalk. #thesavageway

Motivational Clean Graffiti messages on the sidewalk along the Thunder Road Charlotte route. #thesavageway

Motivational Clean Graffiti messages on the sidewalk along the Thunder Road Charlotte route. #thesavageway

In fact, Thunder Road Marathon is having a fun social media contest surrounding the Clean Graffiti. Use #RunCharlotte whenever you find an encouraging message and be entered to win some sweet gifts.

From Charlotte’s Thunder Road Marathon Facebook:
“We can’t be with you on every training run, so we decided to do the next best thing. With help from MoonlightCreative Group and #thesavageway we’ve spread these inspirational pick-me-up’s throughout Charlotte. Snap a #shoeselfie next to one on your next run, post your pic to Facebook or Instagram with the hashtag #RunCharlotte, and be entered to win a $50 expo gift card for Official Merchandise. Winner will be drawn randomly on November 1.”

Charlotte's Thunder Road Marathon uses Clean Graffiti for a social media contest. - #thesavageway

Charlotte’s Thunder Road Marathon uses Clean Graffiti for a social media contest. – #thesavageway

Thunder Road Marathon is in its 11th year in Charlotte and this year it takes place on November 14, 2015. The Novant Health Thunder Road Marathon also features a Half Marathon and 5K. All courses are certified. For more information, visit www.runcharlotte.com.

Now, go for a run, find some Clean Graffiti, post it to social media and tag #RunCharlotte #thesavageway.

Clean Graffiti Used For UNCC Alumni Tailgate Village

Clean Graffiti Used For UNCC Alumni Tailgate Village

UNC Charlotte, which happens to be Torrie’s alma mater, has been introduced to Clean Graffiti in the past. OrthoCarolina ran a campaign during the inaugural Charlotte 49er Football season in 2013. Recently, #thesavageway had the opportunity to re-visit the campus for another Clean Graffiti initiative. We worked with The Edge University Walk to highlight the UNCC Alumni Tailgate Village – (The Alumni Tailgate Village is located directly across the street from Lot 19 at the corner of Cameron Blvd and Craver Road, near the tennis courts once you’re on campus).

Our reverse graffiti was to bring attention to the newly established Hauser Alumni Pavilion. We chose locations surrounding campus where people would be walking to the games as well as highly trafficked parking areas.

Clean Graffiti by #thesavageway for The Edge University Walk!

Clean Graffiti by #thesavageway for The Edge University Walk!

Clean Graffiti supporting the new UNC Charlotte Alumni Tailgate Village sponsored by The Edge University Walk. - #thesavageway

Clean Graffiti supporting the new UNC Charlotte Alumni Tailgate Village sponsored by The Edge University Walk. – #thesavageway

When you’re on campus for the Charlotte 49ers vs. Southern Miss Golden Eagles Homecoming Game on Saturday, October 24, keep your eyes out for these Clean Graffiti spots! Take a picture and let us know by using the hashtag #49erAlumni & #thesavageway!

Clean Graffiti for UNC Charlotte, sponsored by The Edge University Walk. Photo Credit Amy Jolly. #thesavageway

Clean Graffiti for UNC Charlotte, sponsored by The Edge University Walk. Photo Credit Amy Jolly. #thesavageway

Go 49ers!

NoDa Brewing Opens 2nd Location with Pink Pint Night

NoDa Brewing Opens 2nd Location with Pink Pint Night

For three years, Charlotte Radiology and Levine Cancer Institute have partnered with NoDa Brewing Company to kick off their fundraising efforts for Breast Cancer Awareness month. This year, the 4th annual Pink Pint Night coincides with the grand opening of NoDa’s new (and much larger) location! Bring on the pink beer and the community support!

“Charlotte Radiology and Levine Cancer Institute launched our beneficiary program – Project PINK – six years ago, funding screenings and follow up care for uninsured women who lack access to early detection, through our Mobile Breast Center program,” said Shawna Plate, Senior project specialist at Charlotte Radiology. “A couple years into the program, it was apparent that it was making a true impact and we saw an opportunity to host a true community event to kick off breast cancer awareness month.”

Enter NoDa Brewing Company.

Pink Pint Night is October 1 at NoDa Brewing Company.

Pink Pint Night is October 1 at NoDa Brewing Company.

The object of Pink Pint Night is to raise money and awareness for the importance of breast cancer screenings. Did you know that 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer during her lifetime? (that’s astonishing). It is known that mammograms save lives. If breast cancer is detected before its spreads to lymph nodes or other parts of the body, the chance for a cure is nearly 100 percent.

This is also why Project Pink was created. There is now the ability to provide free breast cancer screenings and the necessary follow-up care to the underserved & uninsured, and hundreds of local women are impacted every year. Charlotte Radiology’s mobile breast center, in partnership with Levine Caner Institute, makes breast cancer screening more accessible and brings early detection right to the patient – in communities where the need is greatest.

Charlotte Radiology's Mobile Breast Cancer Screening Mobile.

Charlotte Radiology’s Mobile Breast Cancer Screening Mobile.

This year, Pink Pint Night takes place on Thursday, October 1 from 4-8:30pm. This is also the first night that the new NoDa Brewing location will be open to the public (2921 N.Tryon Street).
*Note: This an ADDITIONAL location. NoDa’s current tap room will remain open for special beer releases, events & the popular Wednesday Run Club. 

The new NoDa Brewing Location in the Northend of Charlotte.

The new NoDa Brewing Location in the Northend of Charlotte.

The event is FREE and open to the public and reservations are not required. If you were one of the lucky ones to get a VIP ticket, not only are you in for some exciting raffle prizes and swag, but you personally helped to fund the cost of one mammogram ($150). Featured on Pink Pint Night will be live music, yummy food from Tin Kitchen, OooWee BBQ & King of Pops and a special pink brew.

Pink Beers from NoDa Brewing Company for Pint Pint Night. (photo credit: NoDa Brewing Company)

Pink Beers from NoDa Brewing Company for Pint Pint Night. (photo credit: NoDa Brewing Company)

According to Charlotte Radiology, the best part of partnering with NoDa Brewing Company is “Hands down, their commitment to the cause,” said Plate. “NoDa makes a significant contribution of time and funding to Levine Cancer Institute: Project PINK through Pink Pint Night. They donate $.80 of each beer sold (representing the 1 in 8 women breast cancer diagnosis statistic) in addition to 100% of the pint glass sales.”

NoDa Brewing Company’s knack for bringing the community together to celebrate a great cause in the name of good beer makes this a great partnership. The increase of space at their new location is a GREAT sign for the growth of this annual fundraiser.

Come out & support an amazing cause for our community AND be one of the first to experience NoDa Brewing Company’s new location!

Side Note: #NoDaHangout at 2pm on Pink Pint Night

Tune into “Kickin’ It with Chad,” a Google Hangout where you will get a virtual tour of the brewery with head brewer, Chad Henderson. Get an inside glimpse of the new brewhouse, the Pink Pint Night crew setting up for the evening’s festivities and just how AWESOME this new location is going to be. Link Here.